Ever wanted to know more about Elvis Jesus, how it works, what inspires us, and where we're headed? Van Mildert wanted to ask us a couple of questions about the inner workings here at our headquarters, and our Head Designer, Rakesh Jeeaooo, was happy to oblige. Below is an excerpt from the interview, for the full text click here.
How has the brand developed over the years?
Over the years Elvis Jesus has evolved from a company that makes graphic tees into a lifestyle brand that is innovative and clever. Our Pre-SS13 collection is really a distinct turning point in our design skills, where we use simple iconic images and give them an EJ twist. As a matured brand, we put an emphasis on strong concept, design work, and we put a high priority on lavish embellishment. High aesthetic value and quality is our main priority, while keeping cleverness and a reinterpretation of pop culture on the forefront of our designs.
So what’s new for SS13 and beyond?
Spring/Summer has bright colors featuring predominantly in our next tee collection, bringing an injection of vibrance into everyday life—the holiday vibe should make you feel good wearing it. We've gone back to an iconic element of our tees, using fabric applique as a heavy embellishment. Our roots in music play heavily into this series with a reggae vs. punk theme. Pin art and found object embellishment will also be a feature of this next collection.
Elvis Jesus is more than just a tee shirt company, we're a lifestyle brand, and as we go forward we're focusing on every element of the brand. For our Autumn/Winter collection we are developing a series of skiwear and biker inspired outerwear pieces, mixing luxurious fabrics and using intriguing prints in all of the linings. Tweeds, leather and heavy jersey fabrics will feature predominantly in this collection as we gather inspiration from luxurious, gentlemanly skiwear of the 1920's.
In addition to outerwear, we are also building a strong accessories line featuring a series of couture belts that utilize non-traditional metal hardware as extensive embellishments. Padlocks, handcuffs and metal cufflinks will all play a part in our lifestyle collection. We are also releasing out first premiere fragrance collection for both him and her, which are debuting in April. We're looking forward to continue to expand our brand to encompass the entire lifestyle of the Elvis Jesus customer.
How do you find new inspiration every season?
We don't follow trends as a brand, instead we try to work with things we find interesting and exciting. Printed fabric patterns are always an influence, as well as a variety of illustrators and artists. The Elvis Jesus team is constantly discussing things that we like—we're bouncing ideas around and sharing intriguing things we've found in magazines and online, or great music that's inspiring us. Exploring new ideas, for us, is always paramount to following trends.
Some tell me a little bit about yourself, what is your role within the brand?
I studied fashion design at university, specializing in surface designs, prints and graphics. I am the Head Designer here at Elvis Jesus, and I overlook the entire design process. I ensure we have smooth process from design to delivery and marketing. It's been fun for me to delve deeper into the design process, where I'm not just designing the prints and textures, but the actual clothing items themselves.
Do you have any tips for aspiring designers / fashion PRs out there?
No matter what your goal is, you have to have passion for what you do. If you're not in love with what you're designing nobody else will be either—your love of and dedication to your work will be evident in everything that you do.
Who would you describe as your fashion icon?
Nick Wooster. One day I was searching for yellow shoes online and found this guy and thought “Oh shit, this dude! He's got the same haircut and the same beard!” He came out with this black suit, black pants rolled up and was wearing these amazing cool yellow brogues. Shit! He also wears the same waistcoat that I do.
This is a question we ask everybody, what was your worst fashion faux pas?
I hate guys going out in hoodies. The worst part is when you see very nice dressed up girls with their boyfriends in trainers and hoodies. The hoody is far to casual... take the time to dress up for a night out.
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